DVLA and driving after a head injury......(one for the doctors on here!!)

[snifferdog]

Hi guys, I'll try and keep this clear and concise and if anyone can help then please do........

Basically, I was assaulted as I boarded a taxi home with my Mrs on 22nd Dec 2012. It was an unprovoked attack and resulted in me taking alot of kicks and punches to the head before losing conciousness.

To cut a long story short, I ended up with a skull fracture, subdural haemotoma and a subarachnoid haemorrage (sp?!). I was also sick in the hospital twice and was showing signs of post traumatic amnesia for 2-3 hours.

I spent 72 hours in hospital for observation. No surgery was necessary or performed. I had hourly observations and scored a constant 15/15 on the Glasgow coma scale throughout my entire time in the hospital (this is the maximum alertness and orientation score).

To the bit that Im worrying about -

It is a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA of these injuries, which I have done via filling out a B1 form. I was advised upon being discharged from the hospital that the DVLA would probably want to see me. Fair enough.

Now, Im reading lots of horror stories on the internet and on other forums that people have had there licences revoked or withdrawn for 6-12 months after suffering similar injuries?! And have still had to undergo assesments etc before being allowed them back.

Anyone had any experience with the DVLA medical service?

I honestly think that I am fine to drive - and in fact, after ringing the DVLA on Monday to ask about this, they said that they were perfectly happy for me to drive with my doctors consent until they have gone through my medical history and made a decision.

I did not suffer any kind of seizure after the assault and there is no history of seizures in my family.

It seems that the DVLA 'at a glance guide' on the internet only takes into consideration people who have had spontaneous seizures, strokes, head injuries?!

Does anyone know if the fact that my injuries are all accountable to an assault will be looked on more sympathetically by the DVLA medical panel?

In other news, the lad that did it was caught and arrested minutes after the attack. There are several  witness statements to back me up and also some other alleged assaults by the same guy on the same night.

Still doesnt change the fact that I didnt get to see my little girl at Xmas though 

Anyway, thanks for reading and any help or opinions are gratefully received.

Hope I havent ruined your night too much.

[opel]

cant help you mate but glad your ok and glad they got him lets hope he gets punished hard for it

[snifferdog]

cant help you mate but glad your ok and glad they got him lets hope he gets punished hard for it

Cheers mate. I think he will go down for it. I hope so anyway.

The only upside to all of this is that it looks like I can get quite a nice sum in compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority! 

The guideline says £5K for a fractured jaw!! 

[Seanl]

Glad your OK buddy! Absolute scum bags, and I hope he goes down, but tbh he probably thinks that will make him cool! Dregs of society, and this is the reason I think there should be a cull of the human race!

Anyway, I don't know for head injuries specifically, but my missus has a DVLA reported medical condition, and as such she has her licence reviewed annually. They will require written confirmation from your GP as to his opinion on your ability to drive safely, and you will be allowed to drive up until the date of the review. In our experience, this could be up to around 9 months before the medical board review your case! My missus contacted them probably once a week to ask for updates that whole period too! As they will have evidence from your doctor as to your injuries, and your ability to drive, I think you should be OK. They may want to review it in the future, so may give you a restricted licence for 1 year, then extend that period after should you prove you are safe. (No fault accidents as a result of injuries sustained etc.) 

[AudiA8Quattro]

Can't help with your question. Glad you are ok, hope the scum gets what's coming to him 

[archie837]

You should be ok, but will probably have to complete a driving assessment to get your licence back.

The only thing I can relate this too is a couple years back a mate flipped his bike and basically died at the side of the road. Luckily 2 nurses were behind him and brought him back, but he went into a coma for a few days. He's now 95% and everything's fine apart from a bit slow talking and calculating things. They suspended his licence until the doctor ok'd him and believe he had to complete a drivers course, but not sure.

The fact he's on the road means you should be fine, especially if your doctors already cleared you

[snifferdog]

Thanks for the help guys! I'll let you know how it goes when I hear more.

[DubFan]

What a horrible thing to go through and meaning you missed Christmas too.

My Dad had a seizure and collapsed after an aneurysm in the brain. He lost conciousness and spent several weeks in hospital.
He's back to normal now, but has pretty much lost sight in one eye.
He filled in the form for the DVLA and has been allowed to drive again, despite being at risk of another aneurysm and having only one good eye.
I don't remember him having to see a DVLA person for assessment.

I think you'll be ok, but be patient, the DVLA and doctors will always be slower to do things than you want them to be.

Good luck.

[Agreeable Slick]

You'll need to talk to your insurance company as well.

[Chris.]

I was in a serious accident, with a large bang to the head (only resulted in a cut) but I do believe i was knocked out/unconscious as I cant remember much at all.  ALso fractured pelvis.

Never told them anything, hasnt affected how I drive or anything.  no mention of anything from the 5-0 either so mustnt be that important.

If you feel you are ok to drive, and not likely to black out randomly or anything then id just carry on as normal.